Yes, baking soda is highly effective at removing body odor from clothes. Because it is a natural deodorizer, it neutralizes the acidic compounds in sweat rather than just masking them with fragrance.
To help break down tough odors, make a paste using equal parts baking soda and water. Apply it to the most affected areas, like the underarms and neckline of the garment. Use a soft-bristled brush to gently scrub the fabric, then let the paste sit for 30 minutes before washing.
The characteristic "old age smell" is scientifically known as nonenal (or 2-nonenal). It is a chemical compound produced when the skin's natural oils and fatty acids break down and oxidize as we age.
To eliminate stubborn underarm odors, turn clothes inside out and pretreat the affected areas by soaking the fabric in a mixture of 1 part white vinegar and 4 parts water for 30 minutes. Wash the garments normally using an odor-fighting detergent and the hottest water the fabric can safely handle.
The best laundry odor eliminators physically neutralize or kill odor-causing bacteria instead of just masking them with fragrance. Top specific products include Lysol Laundry Sanitizer to kill 99.9% of bacteria, OxiClean Odor Blasters for deep sweat and musty smells, and Zero Odor Laundry to break down tough odor molecules at their source.
Clothes still smell of body odor (BO) because trapped bacteria and body oils are feeding on the fabric. Standard detergents and cold water often aren't enough to dissolve these compounds, causing the odor to reactivate the moment you put the garment on and body heat warms the fibers.
Before washing, soak clothes in a solution of water and white vinegar or water and baking soda. For instance, to help remove tough food odors, you can soak your item in a mixture of one cup of baking soda and four cups of hot water for around four hours to pretreat the smell.
Nothing smells worse than musty, damp laundry. But OxiClean™ Odor Blasters™ Powder or Liquid can help you get musty smells out of clothes, towels and other fabric.
Armpit odor is caused by bacteria breaking down sweat. To eliminate it, you need to target the bacteria and manage moisture:
Soak your clothes in a mixture of 1 cup of white vinegar to 4 parts water for 30 to 60 minutes. For deeply embedded or mildew smells, you can soak the garments for overnight. Always rinse thoroughly and wash with detergent to remove lingering vinegar and odors.
"Old person smell" can begin as early as age 40, as the body produces more of the compound 2-nonenal. This, often described as a grassy, greasy, or musty odor, is a natural part of aging caused by the breakdown of unsaturated fatty acids and declining skin antioxidant defenses. While it starts around 40, it becomes more noticeable in the 50s and beyond.
"Old person smell"—scientifically known as 2-nonenal—is caused by fatty acids oxidizing on the skin. Because it is not water-soluble, standard body washes and intense scrubbing won't wash it off. To eliminate it, you need to use soaps containing Japanese persimmon extract and green tea.
Find the perfect word for a foul smell based on the specific type of odor. Explore these direct noun and adjective synonyms:
Yes, bicarbonate of soda (baking soda) helps combat smelly armpits by neutralizing odor-causing acids and absorbing moisture. However, because it is highly alkaline, applying it directly to thin or freshly shaved skin can cause rashes, dryness, or irritation.
You may not want to use baking soda on certain delicate or sensitive fabrics like wool, cashmere and silk. Add baking soda to your washer tub before a laundry load, but you may want to avoid using it in the rinse cycle as it can cause fabrics to stiffen.
Detergents for Odor Removal
Use antibacterial soaps or cleansers designed to kill bacteria, like a benzoyl peroxide. Use antiperspirants with a higher percentage of active ingredients, or a prescription-strength option. Wear clothes made of breathable fabrics so your sweat can evaporate.
Certain foods cause bad body odor when their volatile compounds, sulfur, or fats are broken down by the body and secreted through sweat. As these byproducts mix with the natural bacteria on your skin, they produce an unpleasant smell.
Deep cleaning your armpits removes built-up deodorant, dead skin, and odor-causing bacteria. Use an antibacterial wash, physically exfoliate, and apply an armpit mask to reset your skin’s microbiome.
A: It is NOT baking soda plus hydrogen peroxide. Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate. OxiClean contains sodium carbonate.
To quickly remove strong, stubborn smells like sweat, smoke, or mildew from clothes, pretreat problem areas by soaking the garment in a solution of 1 part white vinegar to 4 parts warm water for 30–60 minutes, rinse thoroughly, and then machine wash with a heavy-duty detergent.
Nursing homes use enzymatic cleaners, professional-grade oxidizing agents, and high-efficiency air purifiers to permanently destroy urine odors rather than just masking them.
Many Amish households use standard, commercially available detergents like Tide or Gain, as they often shop at the same local supermarkets and bulk stores as non-Amish communities. However, many others prefer to live sustainably and avoid harsh chemicals by using simple, natural, and highly effective DIY detergents.
Wealthy homes typically achieve their luxurious scents by prioritizing subtle, clean, and consistent aromas over overpowering synthetic sprays. The secret isn't a single product, but a combination of strict daily ventilation, professional-grade cleaning, and high-end scent layering using natural diffusers.
The best laundry odor removers break down smelly compounds (like sweat, mildew, or pet odors) at the molecular level rather than just masking them with heavy fragrances. Top targeted treatments include enzyme-based boosters, sanitizers, and tried-and-true household remedies.